Metra kicks off 2024 construction program

Chicago commuter railroad Metra and its freight railroad and municipal partners have released a comprehensive list of construction projects planned for 2024.

In addition to major projects to replace aging bridges on the Union Pacific North Line, the planned work includes track, electrical and signal upgrades on the Metra Electric Line and major tie replacement projects on four lines. For example, Metra and its railroad partners plan to replace about 129,000 ties and improve 35 grade crossings, and Metra forces will begin installing a fourth track on the Metra Electric Line.

The 2024 construction program also includes numerous smaller infrastructure improvements distributed across the commuter railroad's 11 lines.

"We plan to take full advantage of the construction season to address projects big and small across the railroad," said Metra Executive Director and CEO Jim Derwinski in a news release. "Thanks to our leaders in Washington and Springfield, Metra has received significant financial support in recent years to help us begin to address a backlog of critical capital projects that will benefit our riders for years to come."

Metra is also planning station repairs and upgrades that will be performed by a municipality or its contractors. This year, improvements are planned at 35 of the railroad's 242 stations.

In Metra’s 2024 capital program, $332.4 million has been allocated for construction projects, including $81.6 million for station and parking improvements; $22 million for track maintenance; $140.7 million for bridge projects; $6.4 million for rail crossing replacements; and $66.2 million for signal electrical and communications maintenance and upgrades.

Funding for some of the projects was allocated in prior years' capital programs or came from outside sources, including municipalities and freight railroad partners, Metra officials said.